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Players to watch – Japan

Japan have a talented squad and there are many threats but the two biggest are both named Shinji.

The upcoming match against Japan could be the biggest the Qantas Socceroos have played in the last few years. A win is what the boys need, a loss could prove catastrophic.

Japan, almost assured of qualification will host a Socceroos side who are desperate to make the most of the game they have in hand on Jordan, who shocked the Samurai Blue by defeating them 2-1 in Amman on the same night the Socceroos lurched to a draw at home against Oman.

In doing so Jordan leapfrogged the Socceroos into second spot in Group B of Asian qualifying.

So, who should the Socceroos be wary of?

Shinji Kagawa (Midfielder)

The Manchester United man is so highly rated that he had Sir Alex Ferguson actively chasing him to join the Red Devils in the middle of last yea and his quality has come to the fore since joining the side ashe has become a permanent fixture in the EPL winners line-up.

Kagawa is an attacking minded midfielder, who can strike from anywhere on the park.

In his two title-winning Bundesliga seasons at Borussia Dortmund, Kagawa captured the hearts and minds of the fans, scoring 21 times and providing 12 goal assists.

He is without a doubt the biggest threat Japan have and his searing pace could well trouble Australia-s aging defenders and has found some form for Japan having scored twice during the last stage of qualifying.

Shinji Okazaki (Striker)

One of the most prolific goal scorers at an international level that football has - Okazaki is currently leading the Japanese team in goals scored during qualifying.

He isn-t overawed by the big occasion either having scored against Denmark in the group stages of the last FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Since that time it appears he has only grown in confidence, especially since securing a move to Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, where he has shown his versatility by scoring goals, from long range, with his head and also with an astonishing bicycle kick.

He's more than capable of scoring and hurting the Socceroos and has a happy knack of scoring for Japan, especially at home.